Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards 2024
The contribution of volunteers from across the county was celebrated on the 6th June 2024 at the twelfth annual Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The ceremony, arranged by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), was held at Dering Lines in Brecon. The event was attended by 125 volunteers and guests, including His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Tia Jones, and High Sheriff of Powys, Lady Kathryn Silk JP.
The awards celebrate individual and group contributions of volunteers in eight categories. In March, Powys residents were invited to nominate volunteers in their communities who go above and beyond expectation. Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by panels of experts who, after careful consideration, selected finalists and the eventual winners.
An overall winner was awarded the PAVO Outstanding Contribution Award. Nominees for the award were chosen by panel members.
The evening was hosted by Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, and Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees. Master of Ceremonies was Sergeant Major Daniel Freeman. Guests were entertained by local musician Sam Powell who was on one of the judging panels and volunteered his time to perform.
Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, said: “Everyone who was put forward for an award should be very proud.“ We had a large number of nominations and our panels had a difficult time selecting our finalists and eventual winners. It is always a humbling process. “Congratulations to all our winners and a huge thank you to all our Powys volunteers. And we are very grateful to all our event sponsors Castel Howell, EvaBuild, The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, and main sponsor Warma UK for their generous support.”
Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees, said: “This is my third Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards as PAVO Chair of Trustees and it is always emotional to see the human impact of volunteering. Thank you to all the volunteers across the county for everything you do. An incredible amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make the night happen so thank you to everyone involved. And thank you to PAVO staff for all your hard work year round.”
The South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team (SMWCRT) took home the PAVO Outstanding Contribution Award on the night.
SMWCRT volunteer Dan Thorne said: “We’re shocked and delighted to receive the PAVO Outstanding Contribution Award. There are so many deserving people in the room tonight. It is really lovely to be recognised. We normally work in the dark underground so it is nice to be seen.”